Bruins' Barr gaining recognition

April 4, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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UCLA's Anthony Barr brings down USC quarterback Matt Barkley during the 2012 meeting of the two schools. Barr, a former running back, returns this year as one of the leaders on defense. KEVIN SULLIVAN, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

UCLA's Anthony Barr brings down USC quarterback Matt Barkley during the 2012 meeting of the two schools. Barr, a former running back, returns this year as one of the leaders on defense. KEVIN SULLIVAN, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

LOS ANGELES – A crowd of kids lingered around the entrance to Spaulding Field on Thursday morning, anxiously waiting for one specific UCLA player.

Most of the Bruins' players and coaches already had left the practice field before linebacker Anthony Barr had finished going through a half-dozen interviews, signing a dozen autographs, and taking even more pictures on his way to the field's front gate. Surrounded by admirers, smiling for photos – it had never been clearer that Barr, one of the nation's best pass rushers last season, is no longer under the radar.

Barr had been one of the more subdued personalities on UCLA's defense in his breakout season – an example-setting sort of leader that never sought out the spotlight. But as Barr spurned the NFL Draft after last season, despite a near-guarantee to be a first round draft pick, the spotlight this season is guaranteed to be brighter than ever.

"I know the guys are looking up to me as a leader of the team, and that's a responsibility that I'm willing to accept," Barr said. "I just have to go out and perform every day."

The running-back-turned-linebacker could be hard pressed to have a season like he did in 2012, when he had 21.5 tackles for losses and 13.5 sacks to go with 80 tackles in his first full season as a linebacker. But Barr will be the first one to tell you that he's nowhere close to being a finished product. He says he's gained almost 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and is working on "redefining his moves", which he hopes will help him defend the run.

Barr could have been a first round pick in the NFL Draft, now less than three weeks away. But he isn't regretting his decision to stay in the slightest, even though he's confident he could outperform any of the pass rushers in this year's draft.

"I do think I'm better than those guys, but I do know that the decision I made will pay off," Barr said.

GUERRERO REWARDED

UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero's contract has been extended through 2019, the school announced on Thursday. The extension comes shortly after Guerrero wrapped up a search for UCLA's newest basketball coach – a process that has brought on plenty of mixed reviews for the long-time athletic director.

But since taking over the post in 2002, UCLA athletics have won 22 national championships – the most of any Division I school in that period. Guerrero also oversaw the hiring of football coach Jim Mora, which has so far been a success, and the renovation of Pauley Pavilion. Guerrero also has put into motion the $200-million project to retrofit the Rose Bowl.

DATONE'S DRAFT

Things couldn't have gone much better for Datone Jones since finishing his senior season in Westwood.

Jones proved to be a standout at the Senior Bowl, dominating practices despite playing out of position as a 4-3 defensive end the entire week. He solidified the hype with a solid showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. He's even gained 13 pounds since his senior year ended. And with scouts and teams talking about Jones' potential, his stock could continue to rise, as some believe he could be slotted as a late first-round pick.

Jones says he isn't surprised by the rise, but having met with five teams already – the Bengals, Browns, Jaguars, Falcons, and 49ers – the nerves are definitely starting to kick in for the former Bruins defensive end.

"Pretty nervous about where I'm going to be at, not gonna lie," Jones said, "but I'm more excited than nervous. Just can't believe it's finally here. It's a dream come true; I knew it would come one day."

The biggest question mark about Jones' game is figuring out where he fits on defense – whether it be as a 4-3 defensive end or tackle or a 3-4 defensive end. Jones says that versatility is one reason why he's confident that he can succeed in any team's defensive system.

"Since I've been here, everyone has seen me play everywhere," Jones said, flashing a big smile. "It doesn't matter to me. I'm scheme-versatile. I can play anywhere; I'm very confident in my abilities."

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